For Mothers

That old saying “It takes a village to raise a child” could not be more true when becoming a mother. For the first time or the tenth, motherhood can be a struggle.

Life is not one-dimensional. There are many factors that influence our emotions. Sometimes it can be just a bad day or there may be a prior trauma that comes back to play during this adjustment time. No matter what the struggle is, we are here to provide information, support, and connect you to services available right here in Austin and Central Texas

Around 80% of new mothers will experience a change in their mental health in the first year after giving birth. Some may even experience a change while they are pregnant. PMADs do not discriminate: they affect people of every race, every level of income, every age, and even all genders. It is quite common, and it is important to know that it is not your fault, you are not alone and there is help. With good, informed care, you can fully recover.

Perinatal Mood or Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) do not discriminate. They affect women, men, people of every culture and nation, people of any age. They can affect adoptive parents, birth mothers, and women who have had a miscarriage. Some people, however, have an increased risk of developing mood disorders during pregnancy or in the first year after birth. If you think you may be at risk, contact your doctor and begin setting up a support network. Find more information about support services available.

Risk factors include:

You or your family has a history of postpartum depression, anxiety or psychosis

You or your family has a history of depression or anxiety, not around childbirth

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Financial stress

Marital stress (or lack of supportive partner)

Complications in pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding

A recent major life change: job, moving, death, divorce, etc.

Mothers of multiples (twins, triplets, etc.)

Mothers of babies who went into the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)

Women with a thyroid imbalance

Mothers who have gone through infertility treatments

Women with diabetes (type I, type II, or gestational)

Teens

With early detection, you can dramatically reduce the severity and length of a postpartum mood change.

Every family needs different kinds of support. Below is a comprehensive list of the various kinds of assistance available in the Austin, Texas area. For a detailed resource list click here. If you need help finding the resources you need, contact our Program Coordinator, Alexis Edwards at alexismedwards@live.com or 512-956-9599.

PMD Blogs

Useful Printouts

Postpartum Doula Program

The PPHA Postpartum Doula Program provides low-income women who are experiencing postpartum depression, anxiety and/or OCD with 20 hours of free in-home care with a postpartum doula who is specially trained in working with Perinatal Mood or Anxiety Disorders (PMADs). Our studies have shown that 20 hours of work with a postpartum doula can significantly reduce the symptoms of PMADs and increase the quality of life for mother and baby.

What is a Postpartum Doula?

A postpartum doula is a trained professional who provides physical, emotional, informational, and non-medical support to nurture mothers and their families during the period following a baby’s birth. A postpartum doula may provide education and support regarding breastfeeding, newborn care, sibling and family adjustments, meal preparation, and household organization. A postpartum doula may aid in the mother’s understanding of typical physical and emotional changes during the postpartum period. A postpartum doula may encourage the mother or family to seek medical or professional care when necessary, as well as make referrals to appropriate resources in the community.

Postpartum Doula Program Eligibility

Diagnosis of a PMAD either through a physician or therapist. If you do not have a diagnosis, please call Alexis Edwards at alexismedwards@live.com or 512-956-9599 for screening.

Within 12 months of a birth

At or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level ($49,000 for a family of 3)

Referral Process

Please contact the program director, Alexis Edwards at alexismedwards@live.com or 512-956-9599. Once a mother qualifies for the program, she will be matched with a PPHA Postpartum Doula and will begin receiving 20 hours of in-home care.

PPHA will offer postpartum doula training scholarships in Fall 2018. Stay tuned for the application process and more information. In the meantime, please contact Alexis Edwards if you are interested in applying for the scholarship.

Postpartum Therapy Voucher

The Therapy Voucher Pilot Program provides low-income women who are experiencing postpartum depression, anxiety and/or OCD with up to 8 sessions of discounted therapy sessions with mental health professionals who are specially trained for working with Perinatal Mood or Anxiety Disorders (PMADs).

Women in Central Texas who have been identified with a PMAD may be eligible to receive a significant discount (up to $720) for mental health therapy provided by designated local mental health therapists. After the voucher, women can choose to continue the relationship with their therapist, on new terms agreed upon, without the voucher.

Therapy Voucher Program Eligibility

Diagnosis of a PMAD either through a physician or therapist. If you do not have a diagnosis, please call Melissa Bentley at (512) 920-3737 for screening.

Clients or their providers may contact Melissa Bentley at melissabentley@pphatx.org or (512) 920-3737 for referral and screening.

Eligible clients will be matched with a therapist who has availability and is as conveniently located as possible to the client.

The client will pay for a predetermined portion of the cost of each visit, determined by household income and size. PPHA will pay for the remaining portion of the sessions, up to 8 sessions total.

The client’s portion of the bill may be submitted to insurance for potential reimbursement.

Postpartum Psychiatric Voucher

Women who have been identified with a PMAD may be eligible to receive a voucher worth up to $500 to subsidize the costs of out-patient psychiatric care.

Postpartum Psychiatric Voucher Eligibility

Diagnosis of a Postpartum Mood or Anxiety Disorder (PMAD), either through their physician or therapist.If you do not have a diagnosis, please contact Beth Thomas at beth.arthur@gmail.com or 512-590-1853 for screening.

Within 12 months of a birth

At or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Referral Process

Clients or their providers may contact Beth Thomas at beth.arthur@gmail.com or 512-590-1853 for referral and screening.

Eligible clients will choose from a list of approved psychiatrists, who guarantee an initial appointment within two weeks.

The psychiatrist will bill the client for 50% of the cost of the visits. PPHA will pay for the remaining 50%, up to $500. The voucher does not cover medications.

The client’s portion of the bill may be submitted to insurance for potential reimbursement.

About Us

This website contains information about Perinatal Mood Disorders (PMDs) for women, their families, and professionals. We recognize the need for perinatal support in Central Texas is great. Our goal is to connect families with services and adapt as needs change. Please visit the website often for updates. Click here to read more.